Latest news with #HomeInstead
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp Every Day
The human brain is a tricky thing. As we age, we prepare ourselves for the inevitable decline in our memory and overall cognitive function. This gradual shift is a normal, age-related change, says clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho. 'But when we start to forget appointments constantly, repeat the same questions within a short period of time because you can't retain information you just learned or heard a few minutes ago, struggle persistently with everyday tasks that used to feel routine, or have greater difficulty maintaining focus than we ever have before, those can be signs of cognitive decline that might not be normative and might warrant a closer look.' Despite the inevitable changes that come with age, however, there are simple practices we can add to our routines to keep our brains sharp every single day—starting Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD, gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead, an Honor Company Dr. Judy Ho, clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and professor of psychology at Pepperdine University'Stay physically active and engage in regular movement,' says gerontologist Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD. 'Getting blood flowing is great for our brain health and can improve both mood and cognition. Pick an activity you enjoy, such as a daily walk or even dancing.' You've likely heard over and over that daily movement can do wonders for your physical and emotional well-being—that includes your brain, too. Finding one physical activity you actually enjoy will give you something to look forward to at the beginning or end of a busy day. 'During deep sleep, our brain clears out waste and consolidates memory,' Dr. Ho says. 'Poor sleep can mimic or worsen cognitive issues. Prioritizing quality sleep by having a nighttime routine or doing some reflective activities before bed can help you to unwind and allow your brain to go into a restorative phase, which encourages better quality sleep.' You can even consider doing some reading, journaling, or gentle stretches; the key is to avoid using your phone, as blue light can interfere with deep sleep. If you're a fan of The New York Times' Crossword or Wordle, you're already on the right track to boost your brain health. 'Whether it's a new language, musical instrument, or crossword puzzle habit, challenging your brain builds cognitive reserve—essentially a buffer against decline,' Dr. Ho says. 'Bonus points if you challenge yourself in an area that you aren't already accomplished at—really giving your brain a workout! This helps it to build new connections and stimulates areas of your brain that might not have as much routine stimulation from the activities you usually do.' Friendship is more than just a reminder that we're not alone—it's actually beneficial to your overall health. 'Conversation and connection stimulate the brain and reduce feelings of isolation,' Dr. Eichenberger says. Dr. Ho echoes this notion, adding that 'having regular, meaningful interactions with others helps protect against memory loss and depression.' And it doesn't mean you have to see your friends every single day. Consider calling a friend on the weekends, grabbing a quick coffee during your lunch break, or going on a short walk together, Dr. Ho suggests. These small, intentional moments have bigger payoffs than you might think. Nourishing your body also includes nourishing every organ, including the brain. 'Diets which emphasize leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and healthy fats support long-term brain function,' Dr. Ho says. 'Leafy greens are rich in folate and vitamin K, which support brain cell function. Berries are packed with antioxidants and help to reduce oxidative stress. Fatty fish are high in omega-3s, which are essential for reducing brain inflammation. Nuts contain alpha-linolenic acid and help to reduce cognitive decline. Whole grains regulate blood sugar and provide steady fuel for the brain. Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats and supports healthy blood vessels. Dark chocolate in moderation contains flavonoids that may enhance blood flow to the brain.' This also covers everything from sweet to salty, so you don't have to cut out your favorite desserts. Read the original article on Real Simple
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The $157 Billion Caregiving Crisis Employers Can No Longer Ignore
Picture of a happy elderly woman with her cheerful carer outdoor springtime The caregiving industry stands at a critical crossroads. While millions of families grapple daily with the emotional and logistical weight of caregiving, employers are only beginning to recognize the toll it takes on their workforce. Caregiving is not just a family issue, it's a silent but looming crisis for the workplace. And with the U.S. population rapidly aging, this challenge is set to grow exponentially. By 2034, the United States will see a major demographic shift, with the number of people over 65 surpassing those under 18. This shift raises a red flag, particularly for organizations, as employees increasingly find themselves part of the sandwich generation juggling responsibilities for both aging parents and children. Without proactive solutions, families and employers alike risk being overwhelmed. Fortunately, care entrepreneurs like Seth Sternberg, co-founder and CEO of Honor Technology, are leading the charge to reimagine caregiving through innovation, personalization, and a renewed focus on dignity. Honor, along with its consumer brand Home Instead, is pioneering a new model for aging care. Sternberg's vision offers valuable lessons not only for families but also for employers, policymakers, and anyone invested in building a future where care is accessible, scalable, and humane. A Personal Motivation For Sternberg, Honor Technology was born out of a deeply personal moment. During a visit to his mother, he noticed a subtle change in her behavior. 'Driving had become harder for her,' Seth explained. It was a small detail but a powerful signal that his mother might soon need additional support. That single observation sparked a realization about the broader challenges faced by aging adults and their families. Despite a fast-growing aging population, Sternberg observed that technology and innovation had largely ignored this demographic. There were few scalable solutions for aging in place, a preference shared by 93% of older adults. Sternberg, already a seasoned entrepreneur with tech successes like Meebo (acquired by Google) under his belt, saw an opportunity. He envisioned not only improving care for seniors but also uplifting the caregivers who are vital to the system. Honor was founded with a bold ambition to make aging at home simpler, safer, and more supportive for everyone involved. The Caregiving Industry's Challenges The caregiving industry is currently valued at $153.7 billion in the United States. Yet, it remains one of the most fragmented and under-supported industries. Thousands of small, independent agencies operate across the country, often without consistent standards or resources. This lack of coordination leads to significant disparities in care quality. Adding to this, unpaid family caregiving in the U.S. is valued at an estimated $873.5 billion annually, which is equivalent to 3.2% of the U.S. GDP. This staggering figure underscores the immense economic contribution of family caregivers, who often sacrifice their own financial stability and well-being to provide care. For families, navigating this fragmented system can be maddening. Stories of caregivers failing to show up or mismatched pairings abound. Worse still, many families face prohibitively high costs, with limited public funding available for non-medical home care. For employers, the crisis manifests as hidden losses in productivity, increased turnover, and absenteeism. Sternberg explains that approximately one in five employees is simultaneously supporting an aging parent. These caregivers are often emotionally burned out, physically exhausted, and juggling significant financial strain. Meanwhile, employers, who rarely offer caregiving-related benefits, are losing valuable workers who feel forced to exit the workforce entirely. Redefining Care Through Personalization At the heart of Honor's approach is a commitment to personalization, enabled by technology. Traditional caregiving models struggle to accommodate the unique needs of individuals, often relying on generic matching processes. Honor solves this problem by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) directly into its operations. 'AI is the ultimate personalization engine,' says Sternberg. By analyzing factors such as care needs, personal preferences, and family dynamics, Honor's Care Platform ensures that caregivers (or as they call them, 'Care Pros') are matched with the right clients. For example, while one Care Pro might be perfect for Mrs. Smith, they might not align with Mr. Jones' needs. Honor's technology accounts for these nuances, learning from every interaction to improve outcomes. The benefits extend beyond better matches. Honor's technology also plays a critical role in managing logistics, like replacing caregivers who call out at the last minute. Families are notified of changes and kept informed about the care being delivered, fostering trust and transparency. Employers Must Take Action For employers, the caregiving crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Left unaddressed, caregiving demands will continue to drain productivity and increase turnover. But with the right support systems, businesses can position themselves as leaders in employee well-being. Sternberg highlights that many employers already offer childcare benefits. Extending similar benefits to support elder care is a logical next step. Options like respite care, financial assistance for caregiving expenses, or partnerships with providers like Honor Technology can make a profound difference. 'There's a silent crisis happening right now,' Sternberg explains. 'Employers are losing talented, hardworking people because caregiving responsibilities become untenable. Offering concrete solutions is not just the right thing to do, but it's also a smart business decision. Retaining employees is cheaper than replacing them and providing the support they need builds loyalty and productivity.' A New Vision for Aging in Place The broader implications of Honor's work extend well beyond corporate America. With only 4% of older adults living in senior communities, 90% of seniors prefer to age in place according AARP's Home and Community Preferences Survey. Yet, many households are woefully unprepared to meet the challenges this entails. Mobility issues, cognitive decline, and logistical barriers like grocery delivery or medication schedules can quickly snowball into crises. Honor's long-term vision is to build a caregiving infrastructure that not only adapts to these challenges but anticipates them. The integration of smart home devices, remote monitoring, and AI-driven care plans could drastically reduce costs and improve accessibility. For example, wearable tech integrated into Honor's existing systems could allow for real-time health monitoring, reducing the need for constant physical supervision. Combining technology with compassionate human touch, Honor aims to redefine what it means to age with dignity. Transforming the Workforce One often-overlooked element of caregiving is the workforce itself. Caregivers, or Care Pros, are the largest workforce in the U.S., yet their jobs are often undervalued and unstable. High turnover, low wages, and irregular hours have long plagued the industry. Honor is tackling these challenges head-on. From day one, the company has focused on treating caregivers as professionals. They're provided with training, consistent schedules, and tools that offer stabilization. More than just a rebranding exercise, this focus on 'Care for the Care Pro' creates better experiences for workers and, by extension, for the families they support. Sternberg sums it up perfectly: 'If you take care of the caregivers, they can take care of the clients. It's a simple concept, but one that's been ignored for too long.' What Employers Can Learn from Honor The lessons from Honor's approach aren't just for caregiving companies. Every business can benefit from adopting a more empathetic, holistic view of employee needs. For organizations preparing for the challenges of 2034 and beyond, caregiving benefits should be as standard as health insurance or 401(k) plans. Whether through financial subsidies, flexible work arrangements, or direct partnerships with care providers, investing in caregiving benefits is an investment in the future. Supporting employees in their caregiving journeys reduces stress and enhances productivity. Most importantly, it builds the kind of loyalty that no salary increase can match. A Call to Action The caregiving crisis is not a far-off problem. It's here, woven into the fabric of family life and workplace culture. The solutions, however, are within reach. By combining innovation with compassion, we can create systems that support not just aging adults but the generations who care for them. For families, businesses, and society at large, the stakes couldn't be higher. Caregiving should not be a burden borne in silence. It's time to recognize its impact, invest in innovation, and build a future where aging is met with dignity, purpose, and support for every individual involved. Note: I've personally navigated the complex and often overwhelming challenges of caregiving, for my father during his final years and now for my mother. May this article inspire you to take proactive steps to explore options and prepare for the care your parents deserve, with compassion and foresight.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The $157B Caregiving Crisis Employers Can No Longer Ignore
Picture of a happy elderly woman with her cheerful carer outdoor springtime The caregiving industry stands at a critical crossroads. While millions of families grapple daily with the emotional and logistical weight of caregiving, employers are only beginning to recognize the toll it takes on their workforce. Caregiving is not just a family issue, it's a silent but looming crisis for the workplace. And with the U.S. population rapidly aging, this challenge is set to grow exponentially. By 2034, the United States will see a major demographic shift, with the number of people over 65 surpassing those under 18. This shift raises a red flag, particularly for organizations, as employees increasingly find themselves part of the sandwich generation juggling responsibilities for both aging parents and children. Without proactive solutions, families and employers alike risk being overwhelmed. Fortunately, care entrepreneurs like Seth Sternberg, co-founder and CEO of Honor Technology, are leading the charge to reimagine caregiving through innovation, personalization, and a renewed focus on dignity. Honor, along with its consumer brand Home Instead, is pioneering a new model for aging care. Sternberg's vision offers valuable lessons not only for families but also for employers, policymakers, and anyone invested in building a future where care is accessible, scalable, and humane. A Personal Motivation For Sternberg, Honor Technology was born out of a deeply personal moment. During a visit to his mother, he noticed a subtle change in her behavior. 'Driving had become harder for her,' Seth explained. It was a small detail but a powerful signal that his mother might soon need additional support. That single observation sparked a realization about the broader challenges faced by aging adults and their families. Despite a fast-growing aging population, Sternberg observed that technology and innovation had largely ignored this demographic. There were few scalable solutions for aging in place, a preference shared by 93% of older adults. Sternberg, already a seasoned entrepreneur with tech successes like Meebo (acquired by Google) under his belt, saw an opportunity. He envisioned not only improving care for seniors but also uplifting the caregivers who are vital to the system. Honor was founded with a bold ambition to make aging at home simpler, safer, and more supportive for everyone involved. The Caregiving Industry's Challenges The caregiving industry is currently valued at $153.7 billion in the United States. Yet, it remains one of the most fragmented and under-supported industries. Thousands of small, independent agencies operate across the country, often without consistent standards or resources. This lack of coordination leads to significant disparities in care quality. Adding to this, unpaid family caregiving in the U.S. is valued at an estimated $873.5 billion annually, which is equivalent to 3.2% of the U.S. GDP. This staggering figure underscores the immense economic contribution of family caregivers, who often sacrifice their own financial stability and well-being to provide care. For families, navigating this fragmented system can be maddening. Stories of caregivers failing to show up or mismatched pairings abound. Worse still, many families face prohibitively high costs, with limited public funding available for non-medical home care. For employers, the crisis manifests as hidden losses in productivity, increased turnover, and absenteeism. Sternberg explains that approximately one in five employees is simultaneously supporting an aging parent. These caregivers are often emotionally burned out, physically exhausted, and juggling significant financial strain. Meanwhile, employers, who rarely offer caregiving-related benefits, are losing valuable workers who feel forced to exit the workforce entirely. Redefining Care Through Personalization At the heart of Honor's approach is a commitment to personalization, enabled by technology. Traditional caregiving models struggle to accommodate the unique needs of individuals, often relying on generic matching processes. Honor solves this problem by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) directly into its operations. 'AI is the ultimate personalization engine,' says Sternberg. By analyzing factors such as care needs, personal preferences, and family dynamics, Honor's Care Platform ensures that caregivers (or as they call them, 'Care Pros') are matched with the right clients. For example, while one Care Pro might be perfect for Mrs. Smith, they might not align with Mr. Jones' needs. Honor's technology accounts for these nuances, learning from every interaction to improve outcomes. The benefits extend beyond better matches. Honor's technology also plays a critical role in managing logistics, like replacing caregivers who call out at the last minute. Families are notified of changes and kept informed about the care being delivered, fostering trust and transparency. Employers Must Take Action For employers, the caregiving crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Left unaddressed, caregiving demands will continue to drain productivity and increase turnover. But with the right support systems, businesses can position themselves as leaders in employee well-being. Sternberg highlights that many employers already offer childcare benefits. Extending similar benefits to support elder care is a logical next step. Options like respite care, financial assistance for caregiving expenses, or partnerships with providers like Honor Technology can make a profound difference. 'There's a silent crisis happening right now,' Sternberg explains. 'Employers are losing talented, hardworking people because caregiving responsibilities become untenable. Offering concrete solutions is not just the right thing to do, but it's also a smart business decision. Retaining employees is cheaper than replacing them and providing the support they need builds loyalty and productivity.' A New Vision for Aging in Place The broader implications of Honor's work extend well beyond corporate America. With only 4% of older adults living in senior communities, 90% of seniors prefer to age in place according AARP's Home and Community Preferences Survey. Yet, many households are woefully unprepared to meet the challenges this entails. Mobility issues, cognitive decline, and logistical barriers like grocery delivery or medication schedules can quickly snowball into crises. Honor's long-term vision is to build a caregiving infrastructure that not only adapts to these challenges but anticipates them. The integration of smart home devices, remote monitoring, and AI-driven care plans could drastically reduce costs and improve accessibility. For example, wearable tech integrated into Honor's existing systems could allow for real-time health monitoring, reducing the need for constant physical supervision. Combining technology with compassionate human touch, Honor aims to redefine what it means to age with dignity. Transforming the Workforce One often-overlooked element of caregiving is the workforce itself. Caregivers, or Care Pros, are the largest workforce in the U.S., yet their jobs are often undervalued and unstable. High turnover, low wages, and irregular hours have long plagued the industry. Honor is tackling these challenges head-on. From day one, the company has focused on treating caregivers as professionals. They're provided with training, consistent schedules, and tools that offer stabilization. More than just a rebranding exercise, this focus on 'Care for the Care Pro' creates better experiences for workers and, by extension, for the families they support. Sternberg sums it up perfectly: 'If you take care of the caregivers, they can take care of the clients. It's a simple concept, but one that's been ignored for too long.' What Employers Can Learn from Honor The lessons from Honor's approach aren't just for caregiving companies. Every business can benefit from adopting a more empathetic, holistic view of employee needs. For organizations preparing for the challenges of 2034 and beyond, caregiving benefits should be as standard as health insurance or 401(k) plans. Whether through financial subsidies, flexible work arrangements, or direct partnerships with care providers, investing in caregiving benefits is an investment in the future. Supporting employees in their caregiving journeys reduces stress and enhances productivity. Most importantly, it builds the kind of loyalty that no salary increase can match. A Call to Action The caregiving crisis is not a far-off problem. It's here, woven into the fabric of family life and workplace culture. The solutions, however, are within reach. By combining innovation with compassion, we can create systems that support not just aging adults but the generations who care for them. For families, businesses, and society at large, the stakes couldn't be higher. Caregiving should not be a burden borne in silence. It's time to recognize its impact, invest in innovation, and build a future where aging is met with dignity, purpose, and support for every individual I've personally navigated the complex and often overwhelming challenges of caregiving, for my father during his final years and now for my mother. May this article inspire you to take proactive steps to explore options and prepare for the care your parents deserve, with compassion and foresight.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
M5 warning as junction closes for almost four months amid major upgrade
A taxi firm is increasing its prices and vulnerable patients could face longer waits for their medication as a motorway junction has closed for almost four Council's contractor Heidelberg Materials is refurbishing junction 26 of the M5 and the A38 Chelston link road near Wellington as part of a £5.7m project, with a complete closure in place until Hickinbottom, who runs Archie's Cabs, said: "We've considered closing, it's really that bad, we're going to have to increase our prices very slightly just during this period."Council bosses say they understands people have "real concerns" but added "this is the only available window" to complete the vital works. Mr Hickinbottom added: "My biggest fear is getting customers to Taunton train station and Musgrove Hospital. It's going to take longer."All sliproads at Junction 26, the roundabout and the A38 link road from the motorway to the Chelston roundabout are closed for at least 14 weeks. However, access to the Foxmoor Business Park will be Penk owns House of Cake in Wellington and is concerned this will have an impact on trade."We won't have the through traffic from people dropping off the motorway into Wellington, people may choose to stay at home rather than risk hitting the traffic," he said. Dr Mark Hunt, the owner and director of Home Instead care, has carers working in Taunton and Wellington."We have had to put contingency plans in place with people now going to have to travel further which is a cost to carers."Our clients can be quite vulnerable and frail, they can be taking time-critical medication so if we're late it can have an adverse impact on health," he added. The official diversion will take motorists off at either junction 25 (Taunton) or junction 27 (Tiverton) and along the chiefs are urging motorists to leave extra time for their Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport, said: "The road is over 50 years old and it's come to the end of its life. This is a huge job, we're basically relaying a complete road."
Axios
11-06-2025
- Health
- Axios
More than 236,000 Ohioans have Alzheimer's
More than 7 million American seniors now live with Alzheimer's disease — the highest number ever recorded — including more than 236,000 Ohioans. Why it matters: As Alzheimer's diagnoses rise, the federal funding for medical research that's critical to preventing and treating it is at risk of being cut. By the numbers: About 11.3% of Ohioans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's, according to 2025 data shared in a new Alzheimer's Association report. Nearly 5,000 Ohioans die from the disease each year. Between the lines: According to the 2020 census, Ohio is on pace to have more residents over 60 than residents under 20. Meanwhile, 2023 data from the American Community Survey showed that Cleveland's 65-69 age group experienced the highest percentage growth of any age demographic in the city. Zoom out: Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women, according to data cited in the report. Risk increases with age: 5.1% of people aged 65-74 have it, and a third of people 85 and older have it. What they're saying:"It doesn't surprise me" that Alzheimer's incidence has increased, because the population is aging and "we're becoming more sophisticated in our options for diagnosing and testing for Alzheimer's disease," Lakelyn Eichenberger, a gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead, tells Axios.
